Sceptical EssaysPsychology Press, 2004 - 225 pages "'These propositions may seem mild, yet, if accepted, they would absolutely revolutionise human life.' With these words Bertrand Russell introduces what is indeed a revolutionary book. Taking as his starting point the irrationality of the world, he offers by contrast something 'wildly paradoxical and subversive' - a belief that reason should determine human actions. Unwittingly foreseeing the horrors that resulted in the ensuing years from the irrational passions of religious and political beliefs, it is no wonder that Sceptical Essays has never been out of print since its first publication 1928. Today, besieged as we are by the numbing onslaught of twenty-first-century capitalism, Russell's defence of scepticism and independence of mind is as timely as ever. In clear, engaging prose, he guides us through the key philosophical issues that affect our daily life - freedom, happiness, emotions, ethics and beliefs - and offers no-nonsense advice. 'What would be the effect,' he asks his readers with playful irony, 'of a spread of rational scepticism?'"--Jacket. |
Table des matières
Introduction On the Value of Scepticism | 1 |
Dreams and Facts | 14 |
Is Science Superstitious? | 23 |
Can Men be Rational? | 32 |
Philosophy in the Twentieth Century | 40 |
Machines and the Emotions | 63 |
Behaviourism and Values | 71 |
Eastern and Western Ideals of Happiness | 80 |
The Need for a Political Scepticism | 108 |
Free Thought and Official Propaganda | 124 |
Freedom in Society | 144 |
Freedom Versus Authority in Education | 157 |
Psychology and Politics | 173 |
The Danger of Creed Wars | 185 |
Some Prospects Cheerful and Otherwise | 202 |
| 218 | |
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Expressions et termes fréquents
action admire adopted agnosticism America anarchic appeal argument become behaviourism belief Bergson Bertrand Russell Bolsheviks capitalist century China Chinese Christian civilisation Confucius course creed democracy desire doctrine doubt Dr Watson economic effect élan vital emotions England ethical evil exist expect fact favour feel freedom German idealism Government habit happiness harmful Hegelian holders of power ideal important increase industrial instinct intellectual kind knowledge Lao-Tze League of Nations less live logic machines matter means method modern moral opinion ordinary organisation outlook party passions philosophy physical point of view political politician population possible practical present probably propaganda psychology Puritan Pyrrho question realise reason recognised regard religion result round square Russell Russia scepticism scientific social society taught teaching theory theory of relativity things thought tical tion tradition true truth wage-earners white nations wicked wish